Officials say a 35-year-old man was injured by a grizzly bear over the weekend in Grand Teton National Park. According to Monday's announcement, investigators think the attack was due to a "surprise encounter."
In the statement, officials explained that the man, who was visiting from Massachusetts, was seriously injured after he encountered two bears on Signal Mountain Summit Road on May 19. They added that only one of the bears attacked the man.
Following the incident, the man was transported to a nearby hospital by helicopter. According to the statement, the man was listed in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery, but the trail has been closed to the public. No other details about the incident were shared.
In April, Grand Teton officials said that bears across Jackson Hole started emerging from their winter dens and warned visitors to be "bear aware." They also reiterated their suggestions of securing food and other attractants to avoid encounters in Monday's press release.
Additionally, officials added what to do if you encounter a bear in the backcountry, suggesting that you make noise in areas with limited visibility, carry bear spray, and hike with a group. If you do encounter a bear, they say you should back away slowly and never run.
